Why was George Steinbrenner villainized for spending so much money on free agents, while Mike Ilitch is praised for it? Is it because the Tigers are lost money last year, but Ilitch is spending anyway?

Paul Swydan

9:02

Probably because Steinbrenner spent his money on bonafide stars and did it with a sneer on his face, while Ilitch spends his money on second tier guys and mostly stays in the shadows.

Jeff Zimmerman

9:03

I think the Steinbrenner issue was how much he out spent people. The Yankees are still outspending the Tigers.

Paul Swydan

9:03

That too.

Codes

9:03

What does Blanton in relief look like in 2016 for the Dodgers?

Jeff Zimmerman

9:03

On the DL? Tough to really tell

Paul Swydan

9:04

Middle reliever. Probably pretty decent. His stuff played up in the pen last year.

Raindog

9:04

I don't really understand why Austin Jackson is thought of so lowly / going to get paid so little. He put up 2.3 WAR last year and is only going to be 29 years old. Shouldn't that be considered a solidly useful player, not a bargain-bin buy-low candidate?

Paul Swydan

9:05

Absolutely. But since the perception is that he trended down, he has to wait in line. Cespedes still has to sign, and he may have to outwait Fowler as well, though Fowler's draft pick comp brings that a little closer to even.

Jeff Zimmerman

9:05

Teams wait to see if they can get the top talent and then settle. Jackson is not as good as other OF still available

AKA22

9:05

Braves keep showing up as suitors for the big OF bats before dropping out. Think they agree just trying to bluff the fans into thinking they want to win games, or is there a chance they surprise people?

Jeff Zimmerman

9:06

Small chance for them getting bats right now, especially giving up draft picks for them

Paul Swydan

9:07

If I'm being honest, I'd say there's probably a little bluffing for the fans in there, but also on guys like Heyward and Upton, they will still be productive when the Braves get good again.

Russ

9:07

Two Part Question! 1. What percent chance do you give Appel starting the season in the rotation, assuming he has a decent spring? 2. What percent chance do you give Jonathan Schoop ending the season as a top 5 offensive second basemen, assuming he plays 140-160 games?

Paul Swydan

9:08

I give Schoop better chances than Appel, and I would only put Schoop's chances at around 20%.

Jeff Zimmerman

9:08

1. 5% 2. 35%

Martin

9:08

In a 12 team h2h with Avg, HR, R, RBI and OPS, is Prince Fielder worth keeping at $25?